Natalya Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev are now Principal Dancers. Their appointments were announced immediately following their May 3 performance of "Don Quixote," in China. Well done and congratulations to them !http://www.bolshoi.ru/en/

After reading that it does seem as if the Bolshoi management intend to heavily promote Ivan Vasiliev ahead of the London season, but it's worth remembering that he isn't exactly new to London as he danced here a couple of seasons ago.

Quite worrying that the Telegraph's critic hasn't seen elevation as high as Vasiliev's as the Bolshoi's Andrei Uvarov used to have a jump equal to if not exceeding Vasiliev's. I guess Mr Monahan doesn't get to watch much ballet.

As I mentioned in my last post Vasiliev isn't new to leading roles in London, however Anna Nikulina (Giselle), Pavel Dmitrichenko (Spartacus) and Anzhelina Vorontsova (Paquita) are all dancing leads in London for the first time. Wouldn't it be nice to hear some of their thoughts too?

I must say Cassandra, your well known disdain for Vasiliev is wearisome and a little out of tune with the rest of the ballet world.

Yes he has an unfortunate stature - short bulky legs etc (which nevertheless give him the power), not a perfectly proportioned body for a dancer etc - however what he does on stage is extraordinarily exciting, and he is also an incredibly good partner for one so young - and he always dances his heart out, gives absolutely everything to try to please his audience.....in other words Cassandra try to celebrate what is wonderful about him, not think only of what his physical shortcomings may be...glass half full rather than half empty.

No dancer is the perfect package - Rudolf was not either - it's impossible to have everything perfect. But Ivan brings an energy and excitement and sheer love of dancing that few dancers have - his technique is not perfect (finishing can be a little untidy) and he does not have the most beautiful line in the world either - but so much else about him is to be enjoyed.

And of course he will be used in marketing, because he is already a famous star - the others you mention are not. The season has 47,000 tickets to sell, most of them very highly priced - and for all of us that love the company it is in our interests it will be a success so that they visit again. Marketing is marketing Cassandra!

I welcome young Mr Vasiliev most warmly now that virtuoso dancers are becoming so rare and the jaw dropping moments of the past just distant memories. With the advent of this precocious teenager we can look forward to some fun.

Anyway I stand by my comments regarding advance publicity, as although I'm looking forward to seeing Vasiliev in London once more, I'm also aware that he is only one of several exciting young talents being brought here.

In the Moscow Times, Raymonds Stults previews a new production of "Petrushka," on a program with Ratmansky's "Russian Seasons" and the "Grand Pas Classique from Paquita," Friday through Sunday, July 2-5, 2010 at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.

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